7. Affenpinscher

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From Germany comes the appropriately-named Affenpinscher, a breed with a long history dating back as far at the year 1600. This dog was bred to catch rats, a valuable skill in days of old when rats infested places such as stables and kitchens. Ranging fairly widely in size, this breed normally weighs between six and thirteen pounds which was probably an asset when it came to chasing down rats in small places. Despite their size, they are known as fearless dogs who are very protective of their family.